Cash And Cash Equivalents (Non-Cash Investing And Financing Activities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Accrued capital expenditures	$ 128,874	$ 55,013
Transfer of MEP joint venture interest in exchange for redemption of Common Units	0	588,741
Issuance of common units in connection with acquisition of propane assets	3,000	0
Long-term debt assumed and non-compete agreement notes payable issued in acquisitions	$ 4,166	$ 618